Rocky Fork State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Rocky Fork State Park is a beautiful 2,080-acre park located in Highland County, Ohio.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is centered around the 2,080-acre Rocky Fork Lake, which offers visitors a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping sites.

One of the main reasons to visit Rocky Fork State Park is its natural beauty. The park is surrounded by rolling hills and forests, and the lake provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, turkeys, and bald eagles.

There are several points of interest within Rocky Fork State Park that visitors should see. The park's hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park's natural beauty, including its forests, streams, and wildlife. The park also offers several picnic areas and camping sites, making it a great place for families and groups to spend a day or a weekend.

Interesting facts about Rocky Fork State Park include that it was established in 1950 and is one of Ohio's oldest state parks. The park was created when the state purchased land that had been used for farming and mining, and it was developed as a recreation area for local residents.

The best time of year to visit Rocky Fork State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming and boating. However, the park is open year-round and offers visitors a variety of recreational activities throughout the year.

In conclusion, Rocky Fork State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Whether you're hiking, boating, or just enjoying a picnic with family and friends, Rocky Fork State Park is a must-visit destination in Ohio.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks